How do the attitudes of Beatrice and Benedict towards love change during the course of the play? Benedict and Beatrice? Initial attitude toward love was that they did not believe in it this is shown in Benedicts quote .”Then is courtesy a turncoat. But it is certain I am loved of all ladies, only you excepted; and I would I could find in my heart that I had not a hard heart, for truly love none. ” And Beatrice quote – “A dear happiness to women! They would else have been troubled with a pernicious suitor.
I thank God and my cold blood, I am of your humor for that. I had rather hear my dog bark at a crow than a man swear he loves me. ” Beatrice talks about Benedict, and she is saying that she would not bear the thought of marrying a man with a beard on his face, for example Benedict. After being insulted many times by Beatrice, Benedict feels hurt and compares her words as a sharp blade that puts him down. “She speaks poniards and every word stabs. ” Shakespeare could be showing how Benedict admires Beatrice wit and quick tongue as this clearly shows how far below Benedict is from her discerningly. Benefice’s respect for Beatrice at first is clouded by dread and confusion. “He were an excellent man that were made just in mid-way between him and Benedict. ” Shakespeare could be suggesting that Beatrice is still carried away by Benedict because she really cannot stop talking about him, she is always commenting about what he says, what he looks like or what his feelings are.
